Sophie Wills

Multi-million pound plans for a new primary school that will form part of an ambitious development in Gateford have been given the green light by Bassetlaw Council.

Outline planning permission to build up to 750 homes, community hall, and a play-park along wih the new primary school has now been granted consent.

The decision follows years of collaborative work by the council, Notts County Council and Lands Improvement to promote the site for housing as part of the ‘Local Plan.’

Deputy leader of Bassetlaw Council and cabinet member for regeneration, Coum Jo White, said: “This development is another big investment into the district and I am especially pleased to see that a number of community facilities are included in these plans.

“It is essential that education, leisure and a community hub form part of this mix and I’m sure that this will become an exciting development for Gateford.”

Gateford Park Primary School is currently atfull capacity and the new school will be able to cater for 210 additional children in the area, providing one class for each year group.

There will also be enough room on the site to expand the school and provide a total of up to 315 places in the future, which is anticipated to be located in the centre of the development.

Managing director of Lands Improvement, Kevin Moriarty said:“This consent is evidence of Bassetlaw Council’s commitment to invest in the future of Worksop and meet local demand for new homes.

“We have worked closely with the Council, County Council and community stakeholders and are delighted to have reached this important milestone. We would like to thank everyone who made it possible and now look forward to starting work on site later this year.”

Residents who live next to the site of the development where the primary school will be situated have voiced concerns about plans to adapt Gateford Toll Bar into an access road that will service the new estate.

Phil Hare, of Gledhill Drive, said: “We are not opposed to the development of the new estate or the school, but adapting Gateford Toll Bar into a service road for the estate will mean chaos for us.”

Speaking on behalf of residents in his Worksop North ward at a Planning Committee meeting earlier this year, Bassetlaw councillor David Potts also raised concerns about the new school build.

He said some residents believed that the new dwellings may not necessitate the primary school, which will offer 210 places.